Do I need a buffing wheel

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MIC

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
5
Location
Chicago
I am thinking about trying CA glue as a finish but I do not have a buffing wheel. Are there any other alternatives to buff without a wheel? If so please let me know!

Thanks
 
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dennisg

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Joined
Jul 12, 2008
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314
Location
Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
A buffing wheel isn't necessary. Sand and use MM then either plastic polish or Brasso while the blank is still on the lathe. I find that using the buffing wheels just makes a quicker job.
 

Lenny

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Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
3,475
Location
Searsport, Maine
I've been thinking about setting up a buffer myself (I have the stuff, just haven't done it yet).
So far I've had good luck with CA followed by BLO. Alternating back and forth and then finishing up with EEE-ultrashine.
I need to give the buffing wheel a try, though. Maybe this weekend... or next... =0)
Why put off till tomorrow what you can put off till next week!
 

mtup

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Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Messages
20
Location
Lake Charles, LA
I started to design a buffing wheel system but discovered the CA activator. I put 3 coats of CA on wood and activator each time. Use steel wool lightly while running at 2000 rpm to take out any lines then the MM. High gloss by the time you get to 12000 grit.
 

dustmaker

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Joined
Oct 22, 2009
Messages
334
Location
Gastonia, NC
I sometimes like to use the white diamond on the buffing wheel. Probably 50/50 on that and using Hut Ultra Gloss plastic polish. They both do a great job. As others have said, if you are using micro mesh, then there is not much work for the buffer to do.
 
Joined
Mar 9, 2006
Messages
113
Location
Spring Lake, MI, USA.
I have turned for four years and never buffed until about a month ago, would not turn without buffing. I mm to 12000 and polished and thought I had a good finsih and shine Buffing just FINISHES the process in my opinion.
 

Chief Hill

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2009
Messages
635
I just ca glue. MM to 12000, plastic polish while on the lathe. Never even used my buffing wheel. It's just faster to do it while it's all set up on the lathe. Why spend tge extra$$$$ it looks the same if you know what your doing.
 

dogcatcher

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Joined
Jul 4, 2007
Messages
2,361
Location
TX, NM or on the road
This what I use, a half inch bolt with the head cut off, 2 washers and 2 nuts and a buffing wheel I picked up at the hardware store and white diamond. Wheel, bolt and nuts cost less than $5. With a drill chuck or collet chuck in the headstock and the tailstock as support you have a good buffer.

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I have a complete set of them, all 3 from the Beall compounds and wax and then several of the metal buffing compounds for my knife work. It only takes a few seconds if you use a keyless drill chuck to change from one to the next. I usually save up a dozen or so pieces for buffing so I am not wasting time switching it out from one compound to the next. With as many wheels as i have they are all marked so they do not get crossed up.
 

fernhills

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Joined
Jan 22, 2007
Messages
2,142
Location
Hellertown, PA, USA.
I have not buffed for the last 40 years of woodworking. Don`t know why, but i bought the buffing system that you mount on a motor from Beale. I think it is just the cats meow!! Carl
 

writestuff

Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2009
Messages
57
Location
Marquette, Mi. 49855
Buffing??

I have a buffing sys, but lately I've gone back to MM and a final polish with paper towel charged with auto body polish. I turn up the speed, and apply the stuff with hand pressure around the Blank. :)
WS.
 

MIC

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
5
Location
Chicago
I have a buffing sys, but lately I've gone back to MM and a final polish with paper towel charged with auto body polish. I turn up the speed, and apply the stuff with hand pressure around the Blank. :)
WS.

That sounds like a good idea...I will try that.
 

MDEdwards

Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2008
Messages
85
Location
Raleigh, NC
My method evolved because I'm cheap and have made fibergalss parts for boats.
After CA/BLO for 5+ coats, wet sand 600 through 1500, 3M compound/polish on the lathe. After assembly that expensive wax from England(Renisance) that smells like Kiwi shoe polish.
I have an unopenned pack of Micro Mesh. MM are good, but slower IMHO. I do like Bounty half-sheet paper towels for these processes.
The final finish is 'plastic' in looks and feel. Maybe too glossy. For me that is a problem on some wood pens, like the flags, I am considering using polyurathane spar varnish for the color and tactile difference(in my mind anyway).
 
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